August 1, 2025

In this week's edition of "How Appealing Weekly Roundup," we delve into several pivotal legal stories that have shaped the landscape of appellate litigation. From controversial judicial nominations to major corporate legal battles, here are the highlights from Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog, a vital resource for those following appellate court developments.
Trump’s Appellate Nominee in the Hot Seat Over Gender Comments
A report by Nate Raymond of Reuters sheds light on a Trump appellate court nominee who has come under scrutiny for past comments about gender roles. The nominee defended their views amidst a heated confirmation process, raising questions about the impact of personal beliefs on judicial responsibilities. For more details, check out Raymond's full report on Reuters.
Analyzing the Birthright Citizenship Debate
In a comprehensive analysis, Marty Lederman at "Just Security" unpacks the significant case of Trump v. CASA, Inc., which challenges the interpretations of birthright citizenship. This blog post is the first part of a series that explores the intricacies and implications of the ongoing legal battles over citizenship rights in the United States.
Epic Games Wins Against Google in Appellate Court
The conflict between Epic Games and Google reached a new milestone as Google lost an appeal in its App Store fight with the Fortnite maker. Reporters Leah Nylen and Josh Sisco of Bloomberg News detail the appellate decision that upheld Epic Games’ victory, a significant ruling that could have lasting effects on app store policies and antitrust regulations in the tech industry.
Internal Conflict Among Republicans Over Trump’s Nominations
Another piece by Nate Raymond of Reuters highlights a clash between U.S. Senator Grassley and former President Trump over judicial and administrative nominations. This disagreement within the Republican Party underscores the ongoing tensions and the complexities of political alliances and nomination strategies.
SCOTUS Clerks Reflect Diversity and Experience
David Lat of Bloomberg Law discusses the new class of clerks at the U.S. Supreme Court, noting that it includes more women and brings a higher level of experience compared to the class of 2000. This shift towards a more diverse and seasoned group of clerks suggests a positive direction in the representation and capabilities within the highest court’s staff.
Presidential Power Under Scrutiny Over Emergency Declarations
Jess Bravin from The Wall Street Journal reports on the judicial review of President Trump’s use of emergency declarations to impose tariffs and other significant measures. Courts are now evaluating the limits of presidential powers in declaring economic emergencies, a situation that could set precedents for executive authority in the United States.
State Legislators Emboldened to Limit Abortion Pill Access Following Ruling
Following a pivotal abortion ruling, state legislators are moving quickly to restrict access to abortion pills, reports Celine Castronuovo of Bloomberg Law. This development is part of a broader trend of states taking aggressive steps to regulate abortion following changes in federal judicial interpretations.
For further details on these stories and more insights into appellate litigation, visit Howard Bashman's How Appealing blog. These summaries provide a glimpse into the complex and ever-evolving world of legal debates and judicial decisions.